Direct Infection

   During the Covid-19 phase 3 trials, test subjects who received the preliminary vaccine were instructed to continue their normal daily life until the end of the trial period. They would then be examined if they had contracted the virus and determined if the experimental vaccine had a positive or negative effect compared to a non-vaccinated group of test subjects.

   The problem with this approach is that the chances of the subject being infected by the virus are entirely dependent upon coming into contact with an already infected person. Which is not a 100% guarantee.

   Especially if the general public is taking the necessary precautions against spreading the virus (e.g., face masks, keeping a proper distance, etc.). If it was determined that not enough of the test subjects were infected, then another trial period would commence which only further delays the urgent need for results during a viral outbreak.

   Perhaps, a better alternative would be to directly infect the test subjects with the virus itself, either by injection or spray, to ensure that the subjects were properly infected for the experimental vaccine. Direct injection would guarantee that the test subjects were infected with the virus, while a spray mist would simulate normal public conditions, like from a cough or sneeze, but at a lower contraction rate.

   By implementing this simple adjustment, the third stage of vaccine development that uses human subjects may be accelerated which is essential for a rapid response during a global pandemic. From months (due to failed infected subjects) to just days.

Hospitalized Patients

   When the Covid-19 vaccine was determined that it was effective against the virus, the vaccine was administered in prioritized order (e.g., health care workers, first responders, etc.), but none was given to those who were already hospitalized with the virus.

   The policy to only administer the vaccine to healthy people could have cost some infected their lives. Even though the availability of the early vaccine was limited in number, there were enough doses to cover both the hospitalized and first responders at the same time.

   The reason for not providing the vaccine to hospitalized patients was that it may conflict or interfere with medical treatment. However, there was no proof or evidence to support this claim. Only conjecture and the stigma that vaccines should only be administered to healthy people in order to prevent the spread of infection (not treat it).

   Moving forward, a better policy would be to also administer the vaccine to hospitalized patients whenever possible in order to improve their chances of survival as well.